Solvent Extraction Apparatus with Rapid Thermal Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current extraction processes for cannabis-based medicinal products face challenges in producing full-spectrum extracts that meet Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, as they often require downstream purification, use of gas vapor compressors, and are not environmentally benign, leading to inefficiencies and contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
A solvent-based extraction apparatus that rapidly heats and controls the solvent temperature to efficiently extract cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis biomass without using a gas vapor compressor, utilizing a fluorinated hydrocarbon solvent and maintaining temperature and pressure differentials to continuously remove and condense solvent vapors, thereby producing high-quality, full-spectrum extracts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional extraction processes use organic solvents or supercritical fluids, then extraction can be performed, but the solvents have poor selectivity and extracts require further downstream purification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the solvent system by using a aqueous solvent formulation with specific composition (pH 3-7, 1-10% organic co-solvent) and controlling temperature (40-80°C), pressure (1-10 bar), and flow rates to achieve selective extraction of cannabinoids and terpenes while leaving waxes and polyphenols behind, eliminating the need for downstream purification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical extraction systems with a streamlined aqueous extraction system that uses controlled fluid dynamics, temperature modulation, and pressure differentials to achieve selective extraction, substituting the need for complex downstream purification machinery
2Reliability
If traditional processes use gas vapor compressors, then solvent recovery can be achieved, but it makes it difficult to produce full-spectrum extracts meeting GMP requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the gas vapor compressor from the extraction system entirely, replacing it with a direct aqueous extraction and evaporation system that meets GMP requirements by eliminating the complex gas handling equipment while maintaining solvent recovery and full-spectrum extract production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical gas vapor compression system with a thermal evaporation and condensation system that operates under GMP-compliant conditions, using heated evaporation chambers and condensation traps instead of gas compressors
3Object-generated harmful factors
If traditional extraction processes are used, then extraction can be performed, but they are not environmentally benign and co-extract unwanted compounds like waxes and polyphenols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solvent chemistry parameters by using aqueous-based solvents with controlled pH (3-7) and adding specific co-solvents (1-10%) to create a selective extraction environment that dissolves cannabinoids and terpenes while rejecting waxes and polyphenols, improving both environmental benignity and extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality control by optimizing specific parameters (temperature, pressure, solvent composition, flow rates) at different stages of the extraction process to create zones of high selectivity that preferentially extract desired compounds while excluding unwanted substances
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus enables the production of pharmaceutically acceptable, full-spectrum extracts that meet GMP standards, minimizing downstream purification needs and contamination risks, while being environmentally friendly and efficient in extracting desired molecules without co-extracting unwanted compounds like waxes and polyphenols.
Implementation Method 1
a heating means (XX) having an inlet and an outlet, wherein said heating means (XX) is arranged to increase the temperature of solvent passing from said inlet to said outlet by at least 10° C. in a time of less than 60 seconds
Implementation Method 2
an extraction vessel for containing the material of natural origin, the apparatus arranged for removal of solvent from the extracted material
Data Source
AI summary
Extraction Apparatus (2) for extraction of a biomass comprises an extraction vessel (4) for containing a biomass. Electrical heating tape (6) is provided around the vessel (4) for maintaining the temperature of the wall of vessel (4). Upstream of vessel (4) is a solvent recycling vessel (8) which is fitted with a cooling coil (10) which communicates with an external refrigeration unit (12). Operation of unit (12) is arranged to cool (and thereby liquefy) solvent in the vessel (8). A solvent pump (22) is arranged to pump liquid between vessel (8) and vessel (4) via an electrically powered heat exchanger (24). The heat exchanger (24) is arranged to increase the temperature of solvent flowing through it very rapidly which allows the temperature of solvent introduced into extraction vessel (4) to be very rapidly changed in a step-wise manner.